Functional non-coding RNAs in vascular diseases

Recently, advances in genomic technology such as RNA sequencing and genome-wide profiling have enabled the identification of considerable numbers of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). MicroRNAs have been studied for decades, leading to the identification of those with disease-causing and/or protective effects in vascular disease. Although other ncRNAs such as long ncRNAs have not been fully described yet, recent studies have indicated their important functions in the development of vascular diseases. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms and functions of ncRNAs, focusing on microRNAs, circular RNAs and long ncRNAs in vascular diseases.